L.v. Muslims Observe Fast

Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar and the holiest in the Muslim year, is now being observed by area followers.

Iqbal Naviwala, a spokesman for the Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley, said the month, which began May 20 and will end June 18 or 19 this year, is one of fasting and special prayer.

During Ramadan, area Muslims hold prayers every night at their mosque at 20 N. 9th St., Emmaus, Naviwala explained. He said there are 60 to 70 families who come regularly to the mosque.

"Every Friday, the Sabbath, we open our fast together," he said.

It was during Ramadan, Muslims or followers of the Islamic faith believe, that their sacred book the Quran (Koran) was revealed to man.

"It is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, totally abstaining from food and liquid, including water," Naviwala said. Muslims also maintain a "prayerful state of mind" during this time.

According to the Quran, Naviwala pointed out, one of the last five odd- numbered nights of Ramadan is the Night of Power, "when prayer isbetter than if we prayed one thousand months."

He said that during Ramadan, too, giving to zakat, charity in Arabic, is recommended - Zakat-ul-Mal, a donation of 2 1/2 percent of one's net savings, or Zakat-ul-Fitr, a donation equivalent to one person's daily food or clothing expenses times the number of people in the household.

At the end of Ramadan is Eid-ul-Fitr or "feast of breakfast," which ends the fasting month. "We believe this day, probably June 19 this year, the first day of the next month on the lunar calendar, is a day of feast, a day of thanksgiving. God, who is Allah, has given us patience and courage," he added.